Music Programs
Performing Ensembles Scholarship
Trine University is pleased to offer eligible students a Performing Ensemble Scholarship to participate in any music ensemble regardless of major. The scholarship is $2,000 for the Marching Band (including color guard, twirlers, woodwinds, brass and percussionists) and $1,000 for all other performing ensembles (orchestra, jazz band, choir and university band). There is no audition necessary to join any of our ensembles, but some ensembles do complete placement exams at the beginning of the semester to learn about your musical abilities and determine your placement within the ensemble. Experience in a music ensemble at the high school level is not a requirement to join any of our ensembles as we can find a place for everyone to participate. If you have any questions about your prior music ensemble experience or are not sure which ensemble to participate in please contact Dr. Brad Jopek and he can provide recommendations based on your schedule and experience level.
For incoming students interested in participating in our ensembles for the Fall 2027 semester, please complete the following form. Questions can be directed to Dr. Jopek at jopekb@trine.edu.
The Ensembles at Trine University
Our ensembles meet at different times, allowing students to participate in more than one ensemble, and are led by faculty who have performed or worked in the professional music field. For most ensembles, we seek to accommodate other activities such as athletics, clubs and organizations, to encourage as much participation as possible. Interested in learning more about our music ensembles, we highly recommend visiting with Dr. Jopek at Preview Day, by scheduling an individual campus visit through Trine's Office of Admission or by sending him an email (jopekb@trine.edu). To learn more about our upcoming performances, please see our 2026-2027 performance schedule.
Sound of Thunder Marching Band
The Trine University "Sound of Thunder" Marching Band is one of eight private university marching bands in the state of Indiana and one of seven within the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association conference. Performing at all home football games, events on campus and the surrounding community during the fall semester, the Sound of Thunder marches using roll-step and a mixture of point-to-point and squad-style corps marching. Membership includes students from all majors on campus, performing as instrumentalists, color guard, drumline, front ensemble and twirlers. Rehearsals include a week of band camp before the fall semester, Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday mornings on game days from 9:30-11 a.m.
Interested in learning about or becoming a member of the Sound of Thunder? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
Prospective Student Event: We are pleased to announce our second annual High School Band Day on Saturday, October 31, 2026. High school students will be able to rehearse and perform with the Trine University Sound of Thunder Marching Band during their pregame and halftime shows, interact with current Trine students, each lunch at Whitney Commons Café and observe the football game for free. Questions about the event can be directed to Dr. Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu).
University Band
The University Band rehearses during the spring semester on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-5:45 p.m. Repertoire includes a mixture of standard and contemporary compositions for wind band, chamber music, transcriptions and lighter music. Two performances each semester include residencies with guest conductors and composers, providing students the opportunity to work with respected individuals within the wind band field. Additional performances include university commencement in May, collaborations with the university theatre program and within the local community.
Interested in learning about or becoming a members of the University Band? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
Prospective Student Event: We are pleased to announce our first ever High School Honor Band on February 19-21, 2027, where students are invited to rehearse and perform with Dr. Jopek and the Trine University Band at the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts as part of their Techno-Wiz concert exploring the influences of technology and music through different musical genres. Additional information and registration will become available at the beginning of December 2026. Questions about the event can be directed to Dr. Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu).
Pep Band
The Trine University Pep Band is a year-round ensemble supporting Thunder Athletics at home men's and women's basketball and hockey games. Rehearsals are on Fridays from 4-5 p.m. in the fall and spring semesters. Performances are determined in advance, to provide students a chance to adjust their work or academic schedules accordingly. Students are expected to perform in at least one game each week, with additional performances earning extra credit. Repertoire includes a variety of musical styles from the 1950s to the 21st Century!
Interested in learning about or becoming a member of the Pep Band? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
Prospective Student Event: We are pleased to announce our first ever High School Pep Band on Saturday, January 30, 2027. High school students will be able to rehearse and perform with the Trine University Pep Band during the men's basketball game versus Alma College at the MTI Center. Additional information and registration will become available at the beginning of November 2026. Questions about the event can be directed to Dr. Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu).
University Jazz Bands
The University Jazz Bands are offered year-round and perform a variety of styles, including swing, Latin, bebop, rock and many others. The University Big Band features a 1940s rhythm section, saxophones, trombones and trumpets. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Students interested in honing their improvisation skills are encouraged to join Jazz Combo, a group featuring four to five students that rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:15 p.m. Both ensembles perform one concert per semester, with an additional performance in the spring semester at the annual Scholarship Gala.
Interested in learning about or becoming a members of the University Jazz Bands? Please email Professor Brian Derek (derekb@trine.edu) for more information.
University Choir
The University Choir is open to all university students regardless of prior experience: however, previous vocal experience is preferred. The ensemble includes soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices, with opportunities for auditioned solos throughout the year. Members are introduced to a broad spectrum of cultures through choral literature and vocal techniques. Performances happen twice per semester. The choir rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45-7:15 p.m.
Interested in learning about or becoming a members of the University Choir? Please email Dr. Geoffrey North (northg@trine.edu) for more information.
University Chamber Orchestra
The Trine University Chamber Orchestra is an ensemble including university students, faculty and community members. In the fall semester, the Chamber Orchestra presents two concerts, featuring the annual Halloween Haunt-cert and Christmas Spectacular. During the spring semester, the orchestra performs a single concert focusing on standard and contemporary repertoire for string and full orchestra. The Chamber Orchestra rehearses on Thursdays from 7:15-8:45 p.m.
Interested in learning about or becoming a member of the Chamber Orchestra? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
Applied Studies in Music
Applied studies in music are individual lessons with exceptional music faculty in voice, strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical/electric guitar, electric bass), keyboard (piano, organ), woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Students of all ability levels and musical styles are welcome to schedule a lesson. The goal of applied studies in music is to make students better musicians by the end of the semester. Individual lessons are 30 minutes long and happen for 15 weeks. They are scheduled at a convenient time for the student and the instructor. The final exam is an informal performance for the applied studies instructor.
Interested in learning about applied studies in music? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
T. Furth Center for Performing Arts
The T. Furth Center for Performing Arts is the home of the Trine University Music Department. We are very excited that the music ensembles at Trine University are located in a grand, historic building that is a state-of-the-art performance venue and a cultural icon for northeast Indiana.